Lottery commissioner pick declines post

Published: Saturday, November 5, 2005 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, November 5, 2005 at 12:00 a.m.

RALEIGH -- Shirley Frye, who on Friday accepted a nomination to the state lottery commission, has changed her mind, state Senate leader Marc Basnight said in a press release.

Frye said she made the decision later Friday after learning that her husband's law practice could create a conflict of interest, according to a news release.

Frye's husband is former Chief Justice Henry Frye, who's a partner with Brooks, Pierce, McClendon, Humphrey & Leonard. The law firm represents media organizations and retail clients. Shirley Frye said she became concerned about the potential for interaction between the firm, its clients, and the lottery commission.

Frye, a retired teacher, would have replaced Malachi Greene of Charlotte, who resigned because of health issues and his schedule.

"By declining her nomination, Shirley Frye displayed exactly the kind of strong character and moral fiber we need in those who serve our state in any capacity, particularly on our lottery commission," Basnight said in a statement. "I appreciate her sensitivity that even the appearance of a conflict of interest could jeopardize the commission's work."

<p>RALEIGH -- Shirley Frye, who on Friday accepted a nomination to the state lottery commission, has changed her mind, state Senate leader Marc Basnight said in a press release.</p><!-- Nothing to do. The paragraph has already been output --><p>Frye said she made the decision later Friday after learning that her husband's law practice could create a conflict of interest, according to a news release.</p><p>Frye's husband is former Chief Justice Henry Frye, who's a partner with Brooks, Pierce, McClendon, Humphrey & Leonard. The law firm represents media organizations and retail clients. Shirley Frye said she became concerned about the potential for interaction between the firm, its clients, and the lottery commission.</p><p>Frye, a retired teacher, would have replaced Malachi Greene of Charlotte, who resigned because of health issues and his schedule.</p><p>"By declining her nomination, Shirley Frye displayed exactly the kind of strong character and moral fiber we need in those who serve our state in any capacity, particularly on our lottery commission," Basnight said in a statement. "I appreciate her sensitivity that even the appearance of a conflict of interest could jeopardize the commission's work."</p><p>Basnight said he will seek a replacement for Frye.</p><p>--The Associated Press</p>